Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Theology

The Bachelor of Theology is a programme that provides comprehensive training in theological studies, biblical studies and religious leadership. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, St Paul's University, Africa International University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tanzania Methodist University and other faith-based institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in ministry, religious education and theological research.

The curriculum covers systematic theology, biblical studies (Old and New Testament), church history, ethics, pastoral theology, homiletics, religious education, comparative religion, African religion, Hebrew, Greek, counselling, church leadership, mission studies, liturgy, research methods and a research project. Students develop theological knowledge and pastoral skills for religious leadership.

Kenya's diverse religious landscape and the role of faith communities in society create demand for theology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, seminars, field placements in churches and communities, and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as pastors, ministers, chaplains, religious educators, theologians, church administrators, counsellors, mission workers, researchers and interfaith coordinators. They work in churches, mosques, schools, universities, hospitals, military, NGOs, media and faith-based organisations.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 138,720
Private, up to: Ksh 208,800
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Systematic Theology
Biblical Studies
Church History
Ethics
Pastoral Theology
Homiletics
Religious Education
Comparative Religion
African Religion
Church Leadership

Modules

10 in the programme

Systematic Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theological doctrine. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Biblical Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Old and New Testament. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Church History
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Historical development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Ethics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Moral theology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Pastoral Theology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Pastoral care. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...
Homiletics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Preaching. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinations.
Religious Education
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Teaching religion. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Comparative Religion
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
World religions. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Church Leadership
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Ministry leadership. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

Specialisations

Religious Education
Teaching religion. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Pastoral Ministry
Church ministry. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Church Administration
Church management. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Counselling
Pastoral counselling. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending theology lectures, studying biblical texts in original languages, researching church history, learning pastoral skills, studying ethics, participating in chapel services, discussing comparative religion, and working on theological research projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Spiritually fulfilling vocation
Transferable skills in counselling, ethics and leadership
Church sponsorships may be available

Against it

Limited secular job market
Some roles have modest remuneration
Requires language study (Hebrew, Greek)

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public122k to 139k

122k at Moi University139k at Pwani University

Private152k to 209k

152k at Kabarak University209k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Moi 122,400/yr, Pwani 138,720/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 151,550/yr, CUEA 208,800/yr (fee schedules).

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Churches and faith-based organisations frequently offer sponsorships.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Church Sponsorships

Scholarships

5 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Sponsored theology students

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. Diploma in theology, religious studies or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Any other subject
C+
Any other subject
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Field Placement
Practicum10% of the mark
Church and community placement
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at UoN, KU, St Paul's, AIU, CUEA and other faith-based institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Church Administrator
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 230,000
Church management
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Institutional chaplaincy
Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Pastoral counselling
Religious Educator
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaching (with PGDE)
Pastor
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Church ministry

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as pastors, chaplains and religious educators in churches, schools, hospitals and faith-based organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
SPSS
Data analysis
GIS Software
Crime mapping
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Microsoft Word
WritingPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Theology is only for those becoming priests or pastors.
The programme covers ethics, counselling, education and leadership applicable in many fields.
Theology has no career prospects.
Faith communities, schools, hospitals and NGOs employ theology graduates.
Theology is not a real academic discipline.
The programme is CUE-accredited with rigorous academic study including languages and research.
Theology is only for Christians.
The programme includes comparative religion and is open to all.